What Is a Signature Witnessing and Is It the Same as Notarization?📃
Review your documents before your appointment.
"I just need someone to witness my signature."
It sounds simple.
But when someone contacts a notary with that request, an important question comes next:
What exactly does the document require?
Watching someone sign a piece of paper and performing an authorized notarial act are not automatically the same thing.
A Witness and a Notary Have Different Roles
Some documents require witnesses.
Some require notarization.
Some may require both.
A person serving as an ordinary document witness generally observes a signature according to whatever requirements apply to that document.
A notary, however, performs a specific notarial act authorized under applicable law.
Those roles should not automatically be treated as interchangeable.
Look at the Document's Instructions
Before your appointment, review the document and any instructions supplied by the party requesting it.
Does it call for a witness?
A notary?
Both?
If the requirements aren't clear, contact the organization or person who provided the document.
The Notary Shouldn't Guess
A notary who is not acting as your attorney generally should not determine what legal procedure your document requires when doing so would constitute unauthorized legal advice.
That's why "I just need you to watch me sign" may not provide enough information for a notary appointment.
What Should You Bring?
Bring the complete document, acceptable identification, and any instructions you received regarding witnesses or notarization.
If separate witnesses are required, determine beforehand who is permitted to serve in that role and whether you are responsible for providing them.
A signature may look like the simplest part of a document, but how that signature must be witnessed or notarized can matter.
Before scheduling your appointment, confirm exactly what the receiving party requires.
